FREEWRITE

A lion is a carnivorous cat-like animal with a mane that is extremely strong and powerful that is known as the king of the jungle.

A lioness is a female lion. They have the same characteristics except that they do not have manes.

The author does manage to get her point across. I did I have a very similar interpretation of this story. In the beginning of the story it does become evident that is a variation of the story of Adam and Eve. The other blogger's interpretation is also quite similar. By naming the animals she was characterizing them before getting to know the true person. Very often these broad generalizations or stereotypes are not true.

SWA #8&9

Carson, Clayborne. "Martin Luther King Biography." MLK Online. 2008. <http://www.mlkonline.net/bio.html>
This biography discusses what he is known for, leading the civil rights movement in the United States and advocating nonviolence, as well as other aspects of his life that most people don't know. Few people know that the teachings of Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi strongly influenced King's nonviolent doctrine. This shows that King was inspired and thus made it his life's work to inspire others. Many do not know that his efforts were not limited to securing civil rights; he also spoke out against poverty and the Vietnam War.

CBS News. A Nation Honors MLK 40 Years After His Death.@ 4 April 2008. <http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/04/national/main3994144.shtml?source=search_story>
This article will aid me in showing how even 40 years after his death his legacy continues and will never be forgotten. As powerful as his impact was back then, it is just as powerful now. The article begins by describing the scene of people honoring him in Memphis, Tennessee. It then talks about how he affected people's lives and even interviews some of those who marched with him. These quotes will be useful in the development of my paper.

"Civil Rights.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 3 Feb 2003. 2007. >
The Stanford Encyclopedia answers any remaining questions that I might have had about the Civil Rights Movement. It thoroughly breaks down piece by piece the definition and analyzes each section of Civil Rights movement. This will help me to better understand the concepts and at exactly what time period certain events took place.

"Civil Rights Movement in the United States." Encarta Encyclopedia. 2008. Encarta Ecyclopedia Online. 5 Apr. 2008. <http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761580647/Civil_Rights_Movement_in_the_United_States.html>
This encyclopedia article further analyzes and discusses the Civil Rights Movement. It begins by dissecting the early parts of segregation and the early black resistance to segregation. Then it delves into the latter years of the movement as blacks slowly began to gain more rights. As we all know, Dr. King was instrumental in the success of this movement. This information will be used to demonstrate how King helped.

Hoffman, Michael. “The Truth About Martin Luther King Jr.” 1991. <http://www.martinlutherking.org/thebeast.html>
This article gives a different perspective to the legacy of Martin Luther King. It basically states that everything you knew or thought you knew about King is false. The author claims that Dr. King plagiarized his essay, book, and speech all from other soures. He goes takes it even further by saying that King cheated in the words he spoke. I'm not sure how much of this is true or not but its main purpose will be to give an alternative viewpoint on King's effect on the people.


White, Jack. "Martin Luther King Jr." The TIME 100. April 1998. 13 April 1998 <http://www.time.com/time/time100/leaders/profile/king.html>
The author further investigates the legacy of Dr. King, not only from the African American perspective but from the caucasion perspective as well. It delves into the fact that many people today are still using some of his methodologies to gain followers. This article will be used to show how even 30 years after his death his legacy continues to live on.

SWA #10

I have chosen to write about the poem, Martin Luther King Jr., by Gwendolyn Brooks. Martin Luther King Jr.'s name is sononimous with freedom and standing up for what u believe in. He was one of the most influential people of his time and he remains to be to this day as his legacy continues to live on. His I Have A Dream speech is still one of the most powerful and well-known speeches in our country's history. Martin Luther King has enabled myself and other African Americans a number of opportunites that would otherwise not be possible if not for him. He inspires me to always strive for the best and to never settle. This leads into the theme that is prevalent throughout the poem, a great leaders words can inspire people for generations. This is evidenced by the fact that this poem is written years after his death. I need to find more information about the Civil Rights movement to better understand what was going during the time that this poem was written. My thesis will be that despite his tragic death, Martin Luther King Jr.'s words and message live on and continue to inspire people.

SWA#7-"Trifles" and "A Jury of Her Peers"

Reading "Trifles" and "A Jury of Her Peers" was very intriguing. The play and the short story basically depicts the same situation but their are some slight differences. Each has its advantages and its disadvantages. Of course by reading the play, the reader gets more insight to the characters actions and their thought processes more than what you would normally get by simply reading the short story version. The action and setting makes it easier for the reader to form a mental image in their mind of what is going on. The major advantage of the play is that the reader can actually see the characters use of diction and word choice. However, a major setback for this play is that many of details that can be seen in the short story version are not available in the play. I prefered the short story version more than the play. It is much more detailed than the original and in my opinion, easier to comprehend. The advantages of this version include that it flows rather skipping around like the play and the characters thought processes are revealed. I feel that the short story is closest to the historical/cultural analysis. The details revealed allows one to understand the time period in which it takes place and the culture that they lived in.

Cultural/Historical Analysis

The story that I am considering for the cultural/historical analysis is "How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie." This story is told from the perspective of a hispanic male living in subsidized housing in New Jersey. He brings to light many of the common misconceptions and cultural stereotypes regarding different races. Most of these same ethic stereotypes can be seen on a daily basis. The references to government cheese lets it be known that he is part of a low income family. It appears that he conforms to whomever he may be dating at the time. He states that if he brings over a girl from the Terrace, that he will stack the boxes of cheese behind the milk. This indicates that he is ashamed of his homelife situation. He does his best to turn what seems like a negative situation into a positive. Some how he has discovered the key ingredient to every race to make girls fall for him.

No Name Woman-Theme/Setting

The main theme that is evident throughout the story is culture. Culture plays an extremely important role in Chinese culture but probably not as big a role in American culture. As evidenced by the story, the narrator must think about everything she wants to do before she does it in order to appease the society she lives in. There are major culture differences between Chinese and American cultures and the narrator struggles with trying to find a happy medium between the two.

Becky-Theme/Setting

The main theme from this story is the Golden Rule, treat others how you would like to be treated. This theme is evident from beginning to end of the story. This story takes place during one of the most controversial times in our country's history. In the 1920's there was a lot of tension and turmoil between whites and blacks. They just couldnt get along and interracial relationships were frowned upon. In many instances biracial people got the worst treatment. Becky's sons are shunned from the community and are not accepted by neither the blacks nor whites.

How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie

This story brings to light many of the common stereotypes of girls. These streotypes affect the way he treats these girls because of the preconcieved notions that he has about them. He already has ideas in his head about how they act and what they will do in certain situations. The speaker in turn puts on a front in order to get what he wants from these girls. Rather than staying true to himself and being his own person he chooses to put on a show for the girls in order to impress them and get their attention.

Research

Looking up the term ball turret does help me understand Randall Jarrell's poem better. I now fully know and understand the concept of the ball turret. Staying in such a condensed space for such a long time would cause a person to zone out.
Researching Randall Jarrell's background proves that not only was he a soldier but he was also well accomplished in all aspects of life.

Free Write

A. Word Associations:
War-soldiers, dangerous, scary, Iraq, sadness
Gunner-flying bullets, kills targets, bloodshed
Attack-enemies, anyone who threatens you
B.World War II
many casualties, Americans band together, the Holocaust

Readings for 3-20

The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner
This poem is discussing one soldiers first hand account in a war. It begins with him feeling relaxed as if he is with his mother and no harm can come to him. Then it quickly turns into him feeling as if he is an object of the army. He is not an indespensible part of the war because his job can be easily replaced. While flying through the air he is at peace with himself until he is awaken to the realization that he is in the middle of a war, a war that took his life.

Readings for 3-18

Cultural/Historical Inventory
This section provides an interesting aspect of text that is often overlooked. It would be very helpful to know this information prior to reading a book. The culture and the historical context in which the literature takes place is extremely pertinent to ones overall comprehension of a text.
The Soldier
This poem is a perfect example of how the world changing around us is constantly . Despite the soldier being in a war that is destroying his country, he still cherishes the remnants of what used to be. No matter what happens he still has his memories and can take pride in his country.
Anthem for Doomed Youth
This poem is about the deaths of young soldiers in a war. The soldiers deaths are described as cattle because they are slaughtered so frequently. Their prayers are never answered due to rapid firing of rifles. Unfortunately there are no funerals for these soldiers.
Dulce et Decorum Est
This poem is also about war. The long haul of the war finally took its toll on the soldiers both physically and mentally. They are so sick and tired of war that some of them have gone crazy. They have become immune to the fear that war once gave them. Poisonous gas awakens them from their gaze but unfortunately one soldier did fall victim to the gas. The narrator is constantly haunted by the vision of this dead man.
The Glory of Women
This poem discusses the important role that women play during the war. It is evident that the narrator is very proud of the woman that he left behind. Despite his absence she manages to keep a positive attitude knowing that one day he will return. It is amazing that she still goes about her daily life while the war ensues.
They
The Bishop is extremely understanding of what the soldiers have gone through and wants to help them get through their ordeal. Despite the brutality of war the Bishop remains optimistic by saying 'The ways of God are strange.'

SWA #5

I have chosen to analyze a pair of Michael Jordan sneakers. This objects main goal is to serve as a basketball shoe. Not only is this supposed to be the most comfortable sneaker play in but it is also supposed to make you play better. Owning a pair of Jordans makes you feel as if Michael Jordan's greatness has rubbed off on you and that all things on the basketball. These shoes are also fairly expensive so having a pair not only indicates that you have expendable cash but also that you are very stylish. Its comfort, color, quality, and value are all crucial elements to aid me in my analysis. Each pair of Jordans is unique in its design, which separates it from other shoes. The shoe essentially sells itself. Michael Jordan is the best ball player to ever step on the court. So simply put, if you want to be best wear his shoes! Whether you are new to sneaker collecting or a more experienced vet like myself, Jordans are always a great choice. Although sneaker collecting is an expensive habit to have it is well worth the money.

Thesis Statement:
Americans are willing to spend excess amounts of money in order to make them feel and look good.

Warm Up

I do agree that a worthy cause will not be sunk by an inept poster. The truth commercials best stick out in my mind as doing the best job of getting their point across. I am not a smoker but if I was I would take a long hard look at those commercials. The body bags filling the streets is a good wake up call as to the damage that smoking can do the body.

The Politics of Design

There is more to graphic designers that meets the eye. These articles discuss the roles that designers play in advertising. The designers are used and taken advantage of for the sole purpose of creating these advertisements, instead of being recognized for their own artistic abilities. Every minute detail of a product is disected and analyzed before it goes on the market.
Choosing a topic will be the most difficult part of the assignment. However, I am looking forward to writing this paper more than the last one. These articles did give a solid guideline for our paper.

Car Culture

The articles in Car Culture were very interesting. In the Prius-Hummer War article I found it intriguing that many singers and actors/actresses who make millions of dollars flash their cheap Priuses around Hollywood. One would think that in today's ego driven culture that all celebrities would spend a lot of money on their cars, but it is apparent that many stars still dare to be different. This is somewhat hard to believe but by doing this is hopefully others will take notice. They are role models, meaning people admire and look up to them, so if they do not have the flashiest of cars and do not get caught up in all of the material possessions, then neither will the majority of the public. This is not saying that all celebs have these inexpensive cars, because they don't, but the general public takes heed in what they drive. Everyone wants to have what the rich and famous have however, I don't forsee there being an overhaul of prospective car owners trading in their Beamer or Lexus for a Prius.

Mac or PC

I would choose a Mac over a PC. There is no specific reason other than I have grown acustomed to using it. My parents had one and now so do I. In my opinion its design is nicer than that of the PC too.

Song Lyrics Quote

"It is something unpredictable but in the end that's right I hope you had the time of your life."
-Greenday
I was first introduced to this song when I was watching an episode of E.R. A young boy with leukemia was laying in his hospital bed being tended to by a doctor and then the song started playing. This song makes me thankful for good health and makes me take nothing for granted. Life is what you make of it so live life to the fullest.

Short Writing Assignment #1

1) "Swamp Dog" by Kwame Dawes



2) This poem is told through the eyes of african american females. The main point is that these girls are overlooked because they are very hard working and do not act like the typical 'white girls'. Guys do not give them any attention since they are not the prototypical, prim and proper girl. Despite this they keep their heads up knowing that their situation will only get better. By remaining true to themselves good things will happen to them.

3) Lines 5-8

4) The girls appear to be envious of the attention that the 'other girls' get from the boys in lines 1-4. They are frustrated that they are not treated fairly and that their hard work goes unnoticed in lines 5-10.

5) This poem does use rhyme and rhythm which is used to get the authors point across.

6) The features that I have identified in 4 and 5 contribute to the poems overall meaning and theme. Despite their obvious inferiority the white girls they know that the grass is greener on the other side. As long they continue to persevere things will turn out in their favor.

Thesis: This paper will argue that through hard work and perserverance all things all possible. These African American girls are under the radar and no one pays them any mind but one day they will rise up and overcome.

Inhabiting and Transforming a Poem

1)Character
by Taslima Nasrim

You’re a girl
and you’d better not forget
that when you step over the threshold of your house
men will look askance at you.
When you keep on walking down the lane
men will follow you and whistle.
When you cross the lane and step onto the main road
men will revile you and call you a loose woman.

If you’ve got no character
you’ll turn back,
and if not
you’ll keep going
as you’re going now.

2) This poem is about teaching a girl the proper mannerisms of how to act like a woman always. There is always a certain way that women should act and carry themselves. If a woman forgets these things she will be judged differently and men will take advantage. A woman who maintains her composure and character will succeed in life.

3) Men will disrespect women if allowed to do so. Women must not abstain themselves from these situations but if confronted with this problem women should handle it appropriately. This means women should be the bigger person.

4) The narrator of the poem is a woman. She is speaking to all females in general, but more specifically to the young girls out there entering adulthood. There doesn't appear to be a close relationship between the narrator and the speaker.

5) The overwhelming theme of the story is that a persons character defines who they are. How a person reacts to certain situations shows their character.

VideoTape

This is a very interesting story. The story takes a peculiar turn of events as what seemed to be an ordinary taping of a man in a car transforms into the videotaping of a homicide. It amazes me that a little girl so sweet and innocent could unknowingly tape something so vile and corrupt. The amount of violence that occurs in this country never ceases to amaze me but the fact that it was caught on tape surprises me. In this day in age the chances of catching a murder on tape and then living to tell about it are slim to none. This girl, the Video Kid, captured the infamous Texas Highway Killer in the act. These tragic events had a serious effect on her childhood. It is amazing how tragedy can bring us as people together. No matter if we knew the victim or not the community always comes together to show each other support in our times of need. This story exemplifies this. Heart ache and sadness must be faced together.

Warm-Up

This morning I feel extremely tired. The color that I think would best represent this feeling is black because it is associated with darkness, which is what I need to go to sleep.

CR Questions

"Girl"
3) Why does one of the characters say so much and the other so little?
The mother talks so much because she has so much knowledge to pass on to her daughter. A mothers job is to teach her daughter the proper mannerisms of how to become a woman and this is what she is attempting to do. The daughter chooses to not say anything other than to repeat what her mother says simply out of respect. The young girl is already being scolded for not acting like a lady. Talking and interrupting her mother would only be more detrimental to their conversation.

"Hills Like White Elephants"
4) Consider that this story was written in the 1920s and set in Spain, a Catholic country. How do those details complicate the balance of power in this relationship, especially given the specifics of the couple's current circumstances?
This does complicate the situation somewhat. Abortion was a relatively new procedure back then so the outcomes would vary. Spain being a Catholic country changes the entire outlook. Catholicism looked down upon abortion. In their religion abortion is considered murder. This would make this abortion nearly impossible to happen.

"The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven"
2) In his remembered conversation with the police officer, the narrato is told that he's "making people nervous. You don't fit the profile of the neighborhood." What does the police officer mean? How does the narrator interpret his comment?
The police officer is saying that essentially the narrator doesn't belong there. This is a somewhat racist comment. The basis of his comment is from the stereotypes that are commonly associated with people of his ethnicity. The narrator is obviously being discriminated against simply because of the color of his skin. It is ashame but he does feel out of place due to his own skin color.

Girl

This story is what I would call a females guide on how to become a woman. The basis of this story is that woman, more than likely a mother, is teaching a young girl the proper way to act lady-like. It is obvious that if one is being taught the ways to be a proper woman that she must not be demonstrating the proper traits and characteristics that are often associated with being a woman. Throughout the story the daughter is warned to be cognizant of the way she acts and to try at all costs to avoid becoming a "slut." Two of the main points that the mother emphasizes to her daughter are that women should do all of the cooking and and all of the cleaning. Although the information the girl receives is overwhelming she manages to take it to heart. It becomes apparent throughout the story just how juvenille the girl is and that she has a lot of maturing to do before she becomes a woman.

Hills Like White Elephants

This is one of the most interesting passages that I have read in a while. I will admit that initially I was not sure what the couple was arguing about but I was able to later determine that their "discussion" was about her pregnancy. The woman is thrilled about the addition of a child into the relationship, while on the other hand the man does not want her to go through with the pregnancy. He wants her to get the abortion because he feels that the child will only bring more turmoil into what has already become tumultuous relationship. His reasurrance that their relationship will get better once the operation is complete is his main selling point but she is not so sure of this. Despite their many discussions about the subject it is obvious that they are not on the same page. Against her wishes the man makes her go through with the abortion.

Golden Grove

The only thing that differs between the two translations of "Golden Grove" is the language used, or what is commonly referred to as the translators word choice. Both use vivid imagery to depict the scene for us while also managing to incorporate symbolism. By far the second translation from russianlegacy.com is a much easier read and easier to interpret. The first translation was not nearly as easy to understand and was a little confusing at times. Because of this, it is not as enjoyable to read as the other translation.I found the second translation to be much more straightforward, thus making it easier to comprehend and grasp the concept of.

Free Write

A shepherd is not only a care taker of sheep but also a leader. To be a shepherd takes a lot of work. To herd those animals all day for what seems to be little reward seems pointless but someone must do it.
A desert is a hot dry arid place with no water in sight. This place is covered with sand and no person should ever want to go there. There is no life there since nothing can sustain life.
The Universe is part of the big picture. Our solar system is only part of the what we now know as the universe. The earth is only a minute part of it along with the other planets.

Warm Up

1.) A close reading differs from a regular reading in the since that you pay closer attention to the text and more attention to detail. Rather than spending time with the overview of what the whole text is about, you may choose to focus on more minute details. Close readings tend to focus on shorter, more brief passages rather than long stories.
2.) I think Pastoral refers to spirituality or the lifestyle of a shepherd.
OED definition-n. A person or thing associated with spiritual care.
I think mistress refers to woman who pursues a relationship with a married man.
OED definition-n. A woman who has charge of a child or young person; a governess. The female head of a family, household, or other establishment; a woman holding such a position in conjunction with a male counterpart.
I think a nymph is a young maiden.
OED definition-n. Any of a class of semi-divine spirits, imagined as taking the form of a maiden inhabiting the sea, rivers, mountains, woods, trees, etc., and often portrayed in poetry as attendants on a particular god. A beautiful young woman; a maiden, a damsel.

Poem Responses

The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
The shepherd is madly in love with an unknown mystery woman. This is a very deep poem with a deeper inner meaning. This is the definition of love and what this feeling or expression is all about. The shepherd is willing to do anything or go anywhere for his love. No matter the price or what it costs to him he will always be there. "A gown made of the finest wool which from our pretty lambs we pull: Fair lined slippers for the cold with buckles of the purest gold." He showers this woman with love and gifts and all he wants in return is her love.

The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd
The Nymph lets it be known that her love cannot be bought. Material possessions may be able to buy others love but not hers. She states that if time were not a factor and if both the world and love were young that she would give them a chance. Any gift that the Shepherd gives her would be in vain since these things were not important to her. To her love is not about what a person give her physically but what he can provide mentally. She needs a love that will withstand the tests of time. To conclude the poem the Nymph reiterates that she would be his if not for time.

Practice 6-D and 6-E

6-D
In "A Good Man is Hard to Find" it is evident that the characters names are metaphors. Initially the first name that comes to mind when thinking of metaphoric names is June Star. Not only do the stars shine brightest in June but the month of June is also extremely hot like a star. The book opens with the discussion of a trip to Florida, a state that is traditionally hot year round. Mr. Teagarden is the next character with a somewhat metaphoric name. He used to bring the grandmother watermelons, which ironically like his last name ,grow in gardens. His initials, E.A.T. need no explanation. He is obviously a man who likes to eat. A man named Red Sammy Butts is another person with a connection between his characteristics and his name. He is fat man who owns a barbecue restaurant.

6-E
The word "grandmother" to me means the loving and affectionate mothers of my mom and dad. While I do not get to see my father's mother that often I do enjoy my time with her when I do get the opportunity to see her. I see my other 'grandma' very often. She is very sweet and caring and is always willing to help others without seeking any reward for herself. Every birthday and holiday she manages to never forget to call me and send me a card. What makes me happiest is making her proud.

A Study Guide for Beyond Words

1. )Some of example of texts are books, documents, movies, and poems.
3.) The focal point of a text is what the text is going to be about. This can often be found in the thesis statement.
4.) Genre is a category that is used to name and identify a text with consistent and familiar features.
12.) Context is defined as the who, what, where, when, and why in a text, image, or artifact.
18.) Point of view is the angle or perspective from which a person sees a situation.